Roughriders vs. B.C. Lions love ‘em & hate ‘em style

A week after a dismal loss, the BC Lions illustrate they’re not coasting to the CFL West Final, downing the Riders 17-6.

A strong Defensive effort, an Offensive game-plan centered on Running Back Andrew Harris and a typical slow start have been the hallmarks for the 2012 BC Lions, so it was no surprise that we saw an aggressive D shutting down the Roughriders and Harris providing the game’s lone major score on Saturday night.

Time to put a bow the regular season and digest BC’s effort in this week’s Love ‘Em and Hate ‘Em.

Love ‘Em

MOP up duty

In a week where he has been named the Lions choice for CFL Most Outstanding Player, we also saw the reigning MOP, QB Travis Lulay, return to the starting line-up. After being rested for two weeks, nursing an injury to his throwing shoulder, Lulay started the game to gain some much needed game action before heading into the playoffs.

While he was off on a couple of throws, failing to hit Nick Moore in the end-zone, there was a sense of composure and resolve to Leos when he was guiding the O. Shaking off the rust, Lulay went 9 of 14 attempts for 88 yards, a solid stat line for one quarter of action.

Pop Quiz

The Lions also saw the return to duty of WR Marco Iannuzzi. The Harvard product was showing no effects of the concussion he suffered in the last Hamilton game on October 12th. Helping backup QB Mike Reilly extend a drive that started deep in the Lions own territory.

While he didn’t factor into the scoring, it was nice to see such a speedy recovery from what was a vicious hit to the head. Must be something about that Ivy-leagued trained brain.

Tackle Envy

I wonder if LB Adam Bighill sometimes regrets his team-mates? The wonderful collection of talent that surrounds him forces quick work of opposing Offenses limiting the time he spends on the field. Edmonton’s D is kind of terrible, allowing their stud Linebacker, JC Sherritt, ample opportunity to collect tackles.

Time to put a bow the regular season and digest BC’s effort in this week’s Love ‘Em and Hate ‘Em.

I love the havoc and chaos Bighill creates when he is on the field, even in a reduced role he still racked up 8 tackles and one timely interception against Saskatchewan.

Hate ‘Em

Unfinished Business

The one element lacking with the Lions all season has been the killer instinct required by the Offense to score touchdowns. I’m not sure if it’s play selection, execution, or just boredom. Failing to put up 7 and settling for Field Goal attempts is eventually going to come to tipping point.

I’m not so sure if this Offense has what it takes to come from behind or to put up a major when absolutely necessary.

They have all the tools they just need the blue-prints.

To steal an iconic line from a former NFL coach “you play to win the game”.

And while a loss would not have hurt the Lions, it was nice to see them come out on top in a game where everybody saw some action. Don’t tell professional athletes that there are some meaningless games.

While the score wasn’t reflective, the game showed that all Lions players are still standing behind Coach Mike Benevides and willing to do their part to claw out a victory.